Monday September 12 Crop Production, Crop Progress + Ag News

 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending September 11, 2022, there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 47% very short, 35% short, 18% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 43% very short, 37% short, 20% adequate, and 0% surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 18% very poor, 16% poor, 24% fair, 31% good, and 11% excellent. Corn dented was 86%, near 88% last year, and equal to the five-year average. Mature was 36%, near 33% last year, and ahead of 27% average. Harvested was 1%, equal to last year, and near 2% average.

Soybean condition rated 13% very poor, 17% poor, 27% fair, 34% good, and 9% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 43%, equal to last year, and ahead of 37% average. Winter wheat planted was 5%, behind 15% last year and 10% average.

Sorghum condition rated 44% very poor, 22% poor, 14% fair, 15% good, and 5% excellent. Sorghum coloring was 75%, behind 92% last year and 83% average. Mature was 14%, behind 24% last year, and near 17% average. Harvested was 1%, near 2% last year, and equal to the average.

Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 50% very poor, 28% poor, 14% fair, 6% good, and 2% excellent.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Average rainfall statewide still left Iowa farmers with 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 11, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included chopping corn, harvesting corn for seed, cutting hay, and seeding cover crops. Producers were also preparing equipment for harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 29 percent short, 54 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 32 percent short, 48 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn in the dough stage or beyond was 98 percent, 2 days ahead of the 5-year average. Eighty-four percent of Iowa’s corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond, 1 day behind last year. Twenty-three percent of the State’s corn crop was mature, 2 days behind last year and 1 day behind the 5-year average. Corn condition fell 3 percentage points to 63 percent good to excellent.

With virtually all soybeans setting pods, 48 percent have reached coloring or beyond, 4 days behind last year and 2 days behind the 5-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 9 percent, 1 week behind last year and 5 days behind the average. Soybean condition dropped 3 percentage points to 63 percent good to excellent.

Eighty-seven percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete. Pasture condition remained 32 percent good to excellent. Some producers were feeding cattle high moisture corn and hay.



USDA: US Corn Harvest Kicks Off Slightly Ahead of Average Pace

The nation's corn harvest kicked off slightly ahead of the average pace, while corn maturity was 5 percentage points behind the average last week, showing the wide range of stages the crop is at across the country, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday, Sept. 12.

CORN
-- Crop development: In its first corn harvest report of the season, USDA NASS estimated that 5% of the crop was harvested nationwide, 2 percentage points ahead of last year's 3% and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average of 4%. However, the rest of the crop remaining in fields was still behind the average pace in reaching maturity. Corn in the dough stage was estimated at 95%, 1 percentage point behind the five-year average. Corn dented was estimated at 77%, 2 percentage points behind the average. Corn mature was estimated at 25%, 5 percentage points behind the five-year average of 30%.
-- Crop condition: 53% of corn was rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 percentage point from 54% the previous week and 5 percentage points below last year's rating of 58%.

SOYBEANS
-- Crop development: 97% of soybeans were setting pods, 1 percentage point behind the five-year average. Twenty-two percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 6 percentage points behind the five-year average of 28%.
-- Crop condition: 56% of soybeans were rated in good-to-excellent condition, down 1 percentage point from 57% the previous week and 1 percentage point below last year's rating of 57%.

WINTER WHEAT
-- Planting progress: 10% of winter wheat was planted as of Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 percentage point behind last year but 3 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 7%.

SPRING WHEAT
-- Harvest progress: Spring wheat harvest moved ahead 14 percentage points last week to reach 85% complete last week. That is 4 percentage points behind the five-year average of 89%.



NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on September 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2022 corn crop is forecast at 1.64 billion bushels, down 12% from last year's production, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Area harvested for grain, at 9.30 million acres, is down 3% from a year ago. Average yield is forecast at 176 bushels per acre, down 18 bushels from last year.

Soybean production is forecast at 296 million bushels, down 16% from last year. Area for harvest, at 5.70 million acres, is up 2% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 52 bushels per acre, down 11 bushels from a year ago.

Sorghum for grain production of 15.9 million bushels is down 20% from a year ago. Area for harvest, at 265,000 acres, is up 15% from 2021. Yield is forecast at 60 bushels per acre, down 26 bushels from last year.



IOWA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.49 billion bushels, down 2 percent from the previous year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 200.0 bushels per acre, down 5.0 bushels per acre from the August 1 forecast and down 5.0 bushels from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres. An estimated 12.5 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain, up 200,000 acres from the previous forecast. Acreage updates were made based on a thorough review of all available data.

Soybean production is forecast at 591 million bushels, down 5 percent from 2021. The yield is forecast at 59.0 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel per acre from the August forecast but 3.0 bushels lower than 2021. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres. An estimated 10.0 million of the acres planted will be harvested, down 200,000 acres from the previous forecast. Acreage updates were made based on a thorough review of all available data.

The forecasts in this report are based on September 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of October 1, will be released on October 12.



USDA Crop Production Estimates - Sept 12, 2022

Corn production for grain is forecast at 13.9 billion bushels, down 3 percent from the previous forecast and down 8 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 172.5 bushels per harvested acre, down 2.9 bushels from the previous forecast and down 4.5 bushels from last year. Acreage updates were made in several States based on a thorough review of all available data. Total planted area, at 88.6 million acres, is down 1 percent from the previous estimate and down 5 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 80.8 million acres, down 1 percent from the previous forecast and down 5 percent from the previous year.

Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.38 billion bushels, down 3 percent from the previous forecast and down 1 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 50.5 bushels per acre, down 1.4 bushels from the previous forecast and down 0.9 bushel from 2021. Total planted area, at 87.5 million acres, is down 1 percent from the previous estimate but up less than 1 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 86.6 million acres, down 1 percent from the previous forecast but up less than 1 percent from 2021. Acreage updates were made in several States based on a thorough review of all available data.



NE Extension hosts "Food in the Field" presentation

Register today for Food in the Field on September 19th at 6:00 p.m. When stress levels are running high, it’s easy to put healthy eating on the backburner. Food in the Field, presented by NE Extension Educator in Cuming County Hannah Guenther, provides relevant nutrition information, resources, and recipes to help make the healthy choice, the easy choice. This FREE, virtual, one hour presentation will include handouts and recipes for all participants, as well as a recipe demonstration. Email Hannah.guenther@unl.edu to register or go to https://go.unl.edu/foodinthefield.



LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
– Ben Beckman, NE Extension Educator
 
Late summer always seems to be a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures.  Are you prepared to handle this late-summer nuisance?
 
Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena, as well as annual weeds like horseweed, sunflowers, snow-on-the-mountain, and buffalo bur can be plentiful in some pastures.  In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred, they can be very visible.
 
Spraying weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production.  If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might actually be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.
 
Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control.  First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures.  This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan.  An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.
 
Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled.  For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best.  This provides the double whammy of stressing the plant heading into winter and allows more product to be translocated down to the shoots and roots as nutrients are pulled down for winter storage. Getting a good ID on your problem weeds is crucial when making these application timing decisions.
 
Pasture weeds may look unsightly now, but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future.



Registration open for extension virtual record-keeping course

The next session of “Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options,” Nebraska Extension’s four-part record-keeping course, will be held virtually from 1 to 3 p.m. Central time on Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Participants should plan on attending each of the four workshop dates. The course requires participants to have an internet connection.

This course is designed to help farmers and ranchers understand their current financial position and how big decisions like large purchases, new leases or changes in production will affect their bottom line. Participants will work through the financial statements of a case study farm, watching pre-recorded videos, completing assignments, and participating in video chats. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a better understanding of how financial records can be used to make decisions and confidently discuss their financial position with their family, business partners, and lenders.

The course fee is $20 per participant and class size is limited to 20 people. Register online at https://wia.unl.edu/know. Registration closes Sept. 27.

This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2020-70028-32728.



THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FOUNDATION CREATES NEW SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDS IN HONOR OF PAST DAIRY PROFESSORS

The Dr. Philip L. Kelly Nebraska Dairy Student Support Fund was established by a former student of Dr. Kelly’s who was celebrating the 60th anniversary of receiving his Master’s Degree in dairy science from UNL This language was included in the fund agreement:  “. . . the donor wishes to create this fund in honor of Dr. Phillip L. Kelly who served from 1949 to 1967 as chairman of the UNL Department of Dairy Husbandry, later the Department of Dairy Science. The donor wishes to “pay forward” the support he received through a graduate assistantship from the dairy department and to honor Dr. Kelly for his kindness and guidance.”
 
The Don J. Kubik Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Don’s family following his passing this spring. Here’s the language included in the fund agreement: “ Don Kubik was a proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska -Lincoln, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science. He went on to become an award-winning Emeritus Professor of Dairy Extension in UNL’s Department of Animal Science.  . . . Don grew up on a dairy farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska. He was a first-generation college student and received a scholarship to attend UNL. He remained grateful for that assistance through his career and life.”
 
The Kelly fund specifies that it be given to a student with career interest in dairy science. The Kubik fund specifies a first-year student but leaves other criteria more flexible.




Scoular announces Scoular Global Shipping, the new name for its worldwide freight forwarding business

Omaha-based Scoular, a global logistics and supply chain company, today launched a new name for its freight forwarding business: Scoular Global Shipping.

Scoular has operated a freight forwarding business, previously known as TSC Container Freight, for over two decades.

“Scoular’s shipping business has long handled ocean freight for customers worldwide, coordinating all of the logistics required to move customers’ products to destinations around the globe,” said Dave Briggs, General Manager for Scoular Global Shipping. “The Scoular Global Shipping name brings the business more visibly under Scoular and its global supply chain capabilities, financial strength and 130-year history.”

Scoular Global Shipping is a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and freight forwarder that manages risk for customers in the ocean container supply chain.   

There are thousands of freight forwarders, and many are smaller operators with limited capabilities. A large, full-service NVOCC, Scoular Global Shipping:
    Partners with all major ocean carriers and has access to the worldwide container network.
    Offers a full range of services including freight forwarding, transloading/cross docking, domestic transport, and marine cargo insurance.
    Offers competitive rates due to strong relationships with carriers and scale.
    Brings Scoular’s global logistics and supply chain expertise.
    Carries the backing of Scoular’s size and financial stability, with Scoular having $9 billion in sales, over 1,000 employees and ranking as the 68th largest private company in the U.S.



Funding for On-Farm Biodiesel Credit Program Tops $35,000

As the fall harvest grows closer, funding has more than tripled for a new statewide On-Farm Biodiesel Credit program to give back to farmers using biodiesel on their farms.

The program, launched in August by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, refunds farmers up to 50 cents per gallon for buying biodiesel blends. Originally funded at $10,000, the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Biodiesel Board have joined as partners, providing another $10,000 to the program. In-state biodiesel producers Western Iowa Energy, Western Dubuque Biodiesel and Chevron Renewable Energy Group have each contributed $5,000, bringing total available funds to $35,000.

Under the program, farmers can earn 25 cents-per-gallon for filling up with B11 (11 percent biodiesel) and 50 cents-per-gallon with B20 (20 percent biodiesel), up to a maximum credit of $500.

"We welcome the generosity of additional partners for the On-Farm Biodiesel Credit program. It underscores the strong support both for our state's farmers and for biodiesel," said Lisa Coffelt, IRFA marketing director. "Biodiesel not only adds value to soybean oil, but also corn oil and animal fats, so it's a win for agriculture any way you look at it."

To be eligible, farmers must purchase blends for an on-farm tank in Iowa actively used for an agricultural operation. Program funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Biodiesel is one of the most successful products in history when it comes to adding value to soybeans, so it makes sense to encourage Iowa farmers to try higher blend levels on their own farms,” said Grant Kimberley, IBB executive director and ISA sr. director of market development, who also helps run his family farm in Maxwell, Iowa. “This is a great way to remind farmers to close that circle by contributing to on-farm profitability while improving national energy security and reducing carbon.”

The groups noted the majority of farm equipment manufacturers, such as Case IH, support B20 biodiesel blends. Some manufacturers, such as John Deere and Caterpillar, support up to B100 depending on the model year of the equipment.

Program eligibility and rules can be found at: https://iowarfa.org/iowa-on-farm-biodiesel-credit-program.



Beef Promotion Operating Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2023 Checkoff Plan of Work

The Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) will invest approximately $38.5 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications during fiscal 2023, subject to USDA approval.

In action at the end of its September 7-8 meeting in Denver, Colorado, the Beef Promotion Operating Committee (BPOC) approved Checkoff funding for a total of 13 “Authorization Requests” – or grant proposals – for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2022. The committee, which includes 10 producers from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and 10 producers from the Federation of State Beef Councils, also recommended full Cattlemen’s Beef Board approval of a budget amendment to reflect the split of funding between budget categories affected by their decisions.

Nine contractors and three subcontractors brought 14 Authorization Requests worth $48 million to the BPOC this week, nearly $9.5 million more than the funds available from the CBB budget.
“Producers are behind all the decisions that the BPOC makes during these meetings each September,” said CBB and BPOC Chair Norman Voyles, Jr. “We carefully consider every Authorization Request to determine how to use Checkoff dollars to drive beef demand and provide producers with the best possible return on their Checkoff investments.”

“As we expected, the proposals we reviewed this week were remarkably innovative, containing many thought-provoking ideas and concepts. Our challenge is balancing the budget while also distributing our limited amount of Checkoff dollars in a manner that we believe will best drive beef demand. I’d like to thank all our contractors and committee members for their hard work and careful consideration as we all work together to advance the entire beef industry.”

In the end, the BPOC approved proposals from nine national beef organizations for funding through the FY23 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget, as follows:
    American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture - $900,000
    Cattlemen’s Beef Board - $1,850,000
    Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education - $450,000
    Meat Import Council of America / Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative - $550,000
    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - $25,720,000
    National Institute for Animal Agriculture - $70,000
    North American Meat Institute - $360,000
    United States Cattlemen’s Association - $450,000
    United States Meat Export Federation - $8,200,000

Broken out by budget component – as outlined by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 – the FY23 Plan of Work for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board budget includes:
    $9,400,000 for promotion programs, including beef and veal campaigns focusing on beef’s nutritional value, eating experience, convenience, and production.
    $9,000,000 for research programs focusing on pre- and post-harvest beef safety, scientific affairs, nutrition, sustainability, product quality, culinary technical expertise, and consumer perceptions.
    $7,470,000 for consumer information programs, including Northeast influencer outreach and public relations initiatives; national consumer public relations, including nutrition-influencer relations and work with primary- and secondary-school curriculum directors nationwide to get accurate information about the beef industry into classrooms of today’s youth. Additional initiatives include outreach and engagement with food, culinary, nutrition and health thought leaders; media and public relations efforts; and supply chain engagement.
    $2,630,000 for industry information programs, including dissemination of accurate information about the beef industry to counter misinformation from anti-beef groups and others, as well as funding for Checkoff participation in the annual national industrywide symposium about antibiotic use. Additional efforts in this program area include beef advocacy training and issues/crisis management and response.
    $8,200,000 for foreign marketing and education, focusing on 13 regions, representing more than 90 countries around the world.
    $1,850,000 for producer communications, which includes investor outreach using national communications and direct communications to producers and importers about Checkoff results. Elements of this program include ongoing producer listening and analysis; industry collaboration and outreach; and continued development of a publishing strategy and platform and a state beef council content hub.

The full fiscal 2023 Cattlemen’s Beef Board budget is approximately $42.7 million. Separate from the Authorization Requests, other expenses funded include $270,000 for program evaluation; $585,000 for program development; $200,000 for Checkoff communications resources; $550,000 for USDA oversight; $210,000 for state services; $270,000 supporting services and litigation; and $2.1 million for CBB administration. The fiscal 2023 program budget represents a decrease of slightly less than 1% percent, or $350,800, from the $38.9 million FY22 budget.

For more information about the Beef Checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, contact the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at 303-220-9890 or visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.



 American Foods Group Breaks Ground on New $800 Million Facility in Missouri

American Foods Group, LLC (AFG) is opening a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Warren County, Missouri. The company broke ground today at the site near Wright City - marking the beginning of a project expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state of Missouri.

"As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG to Missouri. This is a major development that will benefit Missouri's agricultural producers and consumers for years to come," said Governor Mike Parson. "With $94 billion contributed to our economy annually, we appreciate that agriculture is our number one industry. AFG's investment in Missouri further signals to the nation and world what we've known all along, that Missouri is the best place for companies to grow and expand. We couldn't be more excited for AFG's expansion in Missouri."

"Today marks the start of our future in Warren County, Missouri, the addition of industry-needed hook space and fulfilling the needs of our customers, partners, and consumers for beef demand," said Steve Van Lannen, President and COO of American Foods Group.

AFG is investing $800 million in the new 775,000 sq. ft. facility. The company plans to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the region with an annual payroll of approximately $80 million.

"Warren County has a strong heritage in agriculture, and today we get to celebrate the opportunity to build on that heritage with American Foods Group," said Steve Etcher of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council. "I am impressed with the Rosen family and company leadership and how they embrace their employees as family, invest in their communities, and strive to be a valued corporate partner. This is exactly the type of company the EDC envisioned when they launched their mission 10 years ago to attract new businesses to Warren County that will provide good paying jobs for the residents of our community."

"As highlighted in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, our region's agricultural assets have long served as an economic engine. American Foods Group's facility will bolster the economy for local farmers and agriculture businesses," said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "The family-owned company complements our already thriving agricultural and agtech strengths and their investment in good-paying jobs in Warren County will benefit our metro for years to come. This win – following a multi-state and metro search -- also underscores that St. Louis can go head-to-head with any other region on the merits."

AFG is family-owned and employs more than 4,500 across the U.S. The company evaluated multiple locations for its newest facility where they plan to process 2,400 cattle per day.

"When AFG first approached our team about this project via the Harvest Group, we knew it would be extremely competitive. However, we were confident Missouri's history in food processing, strengths in agriculture, and our central location would help us win AFG for our state," said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. "AFG is a leading beef processing company with an impeccable reputation. I'm looking forward to watching them grow here in Missouri."

Missouri Partnership worked with the following partners to attract AFG to Warren County, including: Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC), Greater St. Louis, Inc., Warren County, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Development Finance Board, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri One Start, Missouri Department of Corrections, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles Water District #2, Norfolk Southern, Ameren, Cuivre River Electric, Cochran Engineering, Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Cattlemen's Association.

The company plans to be fully operational by the end of 2024.



NGFA urges railroads and labor unions to continue to work ‘in good faith’ to prevent shutdown

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) urged leaders of railroads and rail labor unions to remain at the negotiating table and commit to reaching an agreement by Sept. 16 to avoid a nationwide rail shutdown.

“A rail stoppage on Sept. 16 would hit right as the fall harvest accelerates in many parts of the United States,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert in a Sept. 12 letter. “The economic damages across the food and agricultural supply chain would be swift and severe.”

Railroads and rail labor have until Sept. 16 to reach an agreement that would prevent a lockout or strike after the Presidential Emergency Board published a proposed settlement on Aug. 17. Class I railroads announced late last week that they would begin curtailing shipments of hazardous materials today in anticipation of a possible strike.

Congress could be called upon to settle differences in the event of an impasse in negotiations, but NGFA urged the parties to avoid this outcome. The rail network has been experiencing significant service disruptions for nearly three years. Any additional disruption of rail service would have immediate impacts on the nation’s supply chain, NGFA noted.

“Economic challenges to livestock and poultry producers this year due to rail service delays are well-documented, and a shutdown would quickly cause additional problems and force producers to make difficult decisions regarding the viability of their animals,” Seyfert said, adding that processing and biofuels plants may have to scale back production and exporters may not be able to find viable transportation alternatives.

“NGFA urges all parties involved to continue good faith negotiations,” he said. “No one wins if a shutdown occurs — the agricultural value chain and consumers who rely on it stand to lose the most.”

NGFA and 30 other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group on Sept. 8 asked Congress to prevent a rail stoppage “of any duration,” noting that uninterrupted rail service is vital to the American agricultural economy.



Soy Products Likely to Get Boost Thanks to Biden EO

President Biden has signed an executive order launching a national biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiative that contains many provisions important to American soybean farmers, including actions that will support improved markets for biobased products, create greater access to biotechnology, and encourage research and development supporting the “bioeconomy,” or economic activity derived from biotechnology and biomanufacturing.

American Soybean Association President Brad Doyle, a soybean grower from Arkansas, said, “This announcement puts in place steps that will help our industry continue to use soybeans to develop innovative, sustainable products that can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and create more jobs for not only agriculture but all Americans. We are also pleased to see included measures that support agricultural biotechnology regulatory reform, along with quite a few other provisions.”

Among that list of items appreciated by soy are:
• A report from USDA on leveraging the bioeconomy for “improving sustainability and land conservation; increasing food quality and nutrition; increasing and protecting agricultural yields; protecting against plant and animal pests and diseases; and cultivating alternative food sources”

• The Data for the Bioeconomy Initiative, which will use data to drive breakthroughs in the bioeconomy

• Various agencies taking steps to expand domestic biomanufacturing and biobased product manufacturing

• An emphasis on federal agency procurement of biobased products, overseen by USDA

• A requirement to create a lexicon for the bioeconomy to help measure the size and impact of the bioeconomy, and a focus on making revisions to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the North American Product Classification System (NAPCS)

• A focus throughout on protecting and enhancing the security of physical infrastructure, biosecurity/biological data, and cyber-security

• Guidance directing USDA, EPA, and FDA to identify areas of ambiguity, gaps, or uncertainties in the federal agricultural biotechnology coordinated framework within 100 days

• A call for, within 280 days, developing a plan for regulatory reform for the areas requiring clarification or improvement in the federal agricultural biotechnology coordinated framework

• A requirement that annual reports be developed for three additional years providing progress reports on agricultural biotechnology regulatory modernization efforts

U.S. companies now offer approximately 1,000 soy biobased products. Using a whole-bean approach, soybeans are processed into protein and oil—the former primarily used in plant-based foods like tofu and in livestock animal feed, but also as an ingredient in plastic composites, synthetic fiber, paper coatings, adhesives, etc.; and, the latter, versatile soy oil used in foods, cosmetics, asphalt, biodiesel, and countless other products.

The White House shared in its correspondence that, “investments, programs, and partnerships in this initiative will advance research and development in engineering biology and biomanufacturing, expand and strengthen domestic biomanufacturing capacity and resilient supply chains. It will help bring bioproducts to market that will help support American farmers and reduce risk through biosecurity innovation, as well as enhance workforce training and education programs for the next generation of biotechnologists.”

ASA applauds this effort and looks forward to working with the administration in continuing to develop soy biobased markets and opportunities reliant upon modern biotechnology.

 

FARM Program Seeks Comments for Animal Care Version 5 Revisions

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today launched its open comment survey for the FARM Animal Care Program’s drafted Version 5 standards updates. All dairy industry stakeholders (farmers, allied industry, customers, etc.) are invited to provide comments, feedback and concerns related to the proposed revised standards until Oct. 28.

The FARM Animal Care Program standards are revised every three years to reflect the most current science and best management practices within the dairy industry. Standards, rationale, and accountability measures are reviewed and revised by the FARM Animal Care Task Force and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Animal Health and Well-Being Committee, with input from industry stakeholder groups including farmers, animal scientists, veterinarians and allied industry. The NMPF Board of Directors provides final approval on version standards.

FARM Animal Care Version 5 is currently under development and, once approved, will take effect July 1, 2024, for a three-year cycle.

More information about Animal Care Version 5 development is available on the FARM Program website https://nationaldairyfarm.com/farm-animal-care-version-5-development/.